Inside the Applications: Real Common App & UC App Strategies That Worked

Join Collegewise on Tuesday, October 28 at 4:00 PM PT / 7:00 PM ET for an in-depth look at real, successful Common App and UC applications so you can learn how to help your teen stand out with strategy, authenticity, and impact.

Ideal for families with teens in grades 8-12!

See Real College Applications. Learn What Really Works and What Doesn't.

Most families don’t get to see a college application until their teen is already applying. By then, there’s little time left to understand what choices will make the biggest impact with admissions officers.

But, what if you could see what a winning application looks like before it’s go-time?

Join Matthew Frankel (Stanford Graduate & Former Instructor at UC Berkeley) and Renee Bischoff (Former Admissions Officer at Northwestern), as they walk you through real Common App and UC applications submitted by real students.

✨ You’ll discover:

Successful application examples that grab attention and leave a lasting impression.
Step-by-step tips for prioritizing activities and awards that tell your teen’s unique story.
Expert advice on picking essay topics that feel authentic and memorable.
Clear strategies for managing timelines and avoiding common mistakes.

These examples aren’t from “perfect” students. They’re real teens who thoroughly planned their application strategy, clearly presented their strengths, and successfully caught admissions officers’ attention.

👉 Let your teen follow in their footsteps! Register now.

Renee Bischoff

Former Admissions Officer at Northwestern, DePaul, Lake Forest, Carleton

Renee brings over 30 years of admissions and counseling experience to Collegewise, including roles in college admissions at Carleton, Northwestern, DePaul, and Lake Forest, and in college counseling at top independent schools like Polytechnic School in Pasadena and Hawken School in Cleveland. She’s guided students to more than 200 colleges across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., including Stanford, Yale, Duke, Cambridge, and the UCs. Known for her candor, warmth, and strategic mindset, Renee helps students stay grounded, confident, and on track no matter how complex the process. She holds a BA from Carleton College and an MBA from DePaul University.

Matthew Frankel

Stanford Graduate & Former Instructor at UC Berkeley

Matthew Frankel earned dual degrees in comparative literature and bioengineering from Stanford University, where he was nominated for both the Rhodes and Marshall scholarships. He later pursued graduate study in comparative literature at UC Berkeley as a Berkeley Fellow and taught undergraduate writing courses there. Before joining Collegewise, Matthew worked as an independent college counselor, guiding students to selective institutions such as Cornell, Johns Hopkins, the University of Chicago, and Georgetown. With a background that blends rigorous academics and student-centered teaching, Matthew brings a thoughtful, perceptive approach to counseling that helps students feel both seen and supported.